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Massports Donates $25K to Y’s Annual Campaign

Children at the Ashley Street Program Center learn the importance of “911” from Fire CaptainDana Potter, Massport CEO Thomas Glynn and Firefighter/EMT Doris Anziani. Glynn was also onhand to present the YMCA with a $25,000 check to kick off its annual capital campaign.

Massport has kicked off the East Boston YMCA’s annual capital campaign efforts with a donation of $25,000. Massport’s CEO Thomas Glynn presented the check last Wednesday at the Y’s Ashley Street program.

Last year, the YMCA raised well above their $140,000 goal during the annual ‘Reach Out for Youth’ campaign and breakfast. The campaign culminates each year at the Y’s annual breakfast in April.

“We rely on funders like Massport to help us provide financial assistance for childcare and other member services to the families who need us most,” said YMCA Executive Director Joey Cuzzi. “Last year we helped more than 250 families defray the expense of day care, after school care, summer program overnight camp and memberships, amounting to close to $200,000 in assistance. Massport has been a consistent supporter over the years and we’re enormously grateful that once again they have chosen to partner with us.”

Massport’s $25,000 donation to the Y’s Annual campaign helps ensure that children in the community have access to safe, affordable and quality child care programs like the Y’s After School Program at 54 Ashley St.

As part of Y programming at Ashley Street, children have been discussing what it means to be part of a community. They have learned that there are many different individuals, occupations and businesses in Eastie living and working together. With the visit from Glynn and members of the Logan Fire Department, the children learned about the Logan Airport community, and in particular, how its firefighters work and train to help airline passengers in any type of emergency.

“I enjoyed meeting the children and answering their questions about my role and what Massport does,” said Glynn. “Many had flown through Logan and/or had family who worked in a business at the airport. But, observing the after-school program in action and seeing firsthand the level of interest and engagement by the children, underscores how important our charitable investment is to an organization like the Y and the overall well-being of the families it serves.”

This year’s breakfast, which usually draws over 500 supporters, will be held on Thursday, April 3 at 7:30 a.m. Senator Anthony Petruccelli will serve as the Event Host and former Senate President Robert Travaglini will be the Honorary Chair.

Cuzzi said, as in years past, all money raised through the Annual fund is 100 percent directed to scholarship assistance for programming in Eastie. In 2013 Cuzzi said through donations and fundraising the Y was able to raise over $200,000.

“The portfolio of Y program offerings grows and changes every year to meet the needs of the community,” said Cuzzi. “For example, the Y recently opened a Credit Recovery Center for students at East Boston High that will enable teens who have failed classes to make up credit during out of school time. And the newly renovated community kitchen at the Ashley Street Program Center will serve as the hub for innovative health and wellness programming, including healthy cooking and nutrition classes for adults and kids.”

Sponsorships and tickets to the YMCA’s Reach Out For Youth Breakfast can be purchased at 215 Bremen Street or by calling Executive Director Joey Cuzzi at 617-418-8320.